Could playing it be bit of a strain? (5)
I believe the answer is:
sitar
'could playing it' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.
'be bit of a strain?' is the wordplay.
'be' becomes 'sit' (sitting is a kind of being).
'bit of a strain?' becomes 'ar' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'sit'+'ar'='SITAR'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sitar that I've seen before include "music-maker" , "Hindu string instrument" , "Astir with Indian long-necked lute" , "Plucked instrument" , "Guitar-like instrument" .)